Hosting with a Mac Dedicated Server
A Web Hosting Article Contributed by Frances Rhea
Macintosh Dedicated Server Hosting
The first time I saw a hosting package provided on a Macintosh dedicated server, I thought it would not be feasible for my hosting solution - I am a Windows user. After some investigation into the technology, I found I was wrong. The new Mac platform provides extensive services for Windows users in an atmosphere that is familiar and comfortable to use.
Benefits of a Mac Dedicated Server
The latest release of the Mac OS X system allows hosting of Macintosh and Windows workgroups. The system allows the set up of complex network services which allow deployment of dynamic web sites and powerful Internet services along with the ability to run enterprise applications. The new Mac OS X Server joins the most popular technologies from the open source community with the latest version of BSD (a version of Linux).
The Server Admin is a revolutionary new tool that will simplify the set up and management of open standard network services without the technical knowledge needed by UNIX.
System administrators will like the standards management and security infrastructure of Apple's Open Directory architecture. End users will enjoy the simplicity of finding and accessing network resources. Open Directory 2 provides the tools administrators need to manage users, their computers and network resources with the convenience of single sign-on and network user accounts. Automatic configuration of home directories, group folders, and email accounts will simplify the processes needed for end users.
Windows Compatibility
Samba 3 is built into Mac OS X Server and integrated with Open Directory (free software system). This technology provides native services for Windows clients. Windows users can easily access the Mac OS X Server directly from their login window. The Mac OS X Server can be used as a Primary Domain Controller (PDC), host Windows home directories, and Windows roaming profiles.
Mac Dedicated Server Hosting Software
The Mac OS X Server has everything needed to host a dynamic dedicated server. Web sites with streaming audio and video, and powerful J2EE applications are easy to configure. The Apache web server, QuickTime Streaming Server, JBoss application server, Tomcat, Apache Axis, and MySQL 4 are built-in.
The Apache system provides a fast, reliable dedicated server that delivers dynamic content and sophisticated web services. Web site setup and hosting on the Mac dedicated server is easy. Apache supports server-side includes (SSIs), PHP, custom CGI, JavaServer Pages (JSPs) and Java Servlets. Using OpenSSL for encrypted data transport makes hosting stores, auctions, shared calendars, portals, polls and other database-driven services simple and secure for all sophisticated, multi-tiered applications.
Conclusion
All in all, the new Mac server system provides a good alternative to Unix and Windows dedicated server hosting solutions for all users. No longer do Windows users need to shy away from the Mac technology. This new system provides the architecture necessary for Windows and Mac users to get along in an environment that is user friendly. The capabilities of a Mac dedicated server are comparable to Unix and Windows dedicated server hosting solutions.
